Drama,TV Movie
United States of America
The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman is a 1974 made-for-television movie that was based on a novel of the same name by Ernest J. Gaines. The movie was directed by John Korty and starred Cicely Tyson, who won two Emmy Awards for her portrayal of the title character, Jane Pittman.
The movie is set in the fictional town of Bayonne, Louisiana, and spans over 100 years of history. Jane Pittman, who was born into slavery in the mid-19th century, narrates the story of her life to a young journalist who has come to interview her. She talks about her experiences during and after slavery, her work as a cook and maid for white families, and her involvement in the Civil Rights Movement.
Throughout the movie, we see flashbacks and reenactments of key moments in Jane's life, such as the day she was sold away from her family, her escape from a cruel plantation owner, and her witnessing of the Ku Klux Klan's terror tactics. We also see her involvement in the Civil Rights Movement, including her meetings with activists like Martin Luther King Jr. and her decision to register to vote.
In the present day, we see the struggles of Black people in Bayonne, particularly the efforts of a young man named Jimmy to organize a boycott of a local store that discriminates against Black customers.
The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman is an inspiring and emotional story that highlights the resilience of Black people in the face of adversity. It was groundbreaking for its time, as it explored issues of race and class in a way that was rarely seen on television at the time. The movie has since become a classic, and its impact can still be felt today.
